Cartridge comb

ABSTRACT

A comb structure having a detachable toothed refill cartridge element with a coloring or hair dressing stick element provided therein for automatically treating or coloring the hair by passing the comb therethrough. The toothed cartridge element is configured to permit the hair to come into contact with the coloring or hair dressing stick contained therein. The stick slowly releases coloring or hair dressing to hair coming into contact therewith. The cartridge element is selectively replaceable when the coloring or hair dressing stick element has been expended. The use of the replaceable cartridge element avoids the necessity for directly handling the coloring sticks.

United States Patent [1s] 3,683,942 1 Aug. 15,1972

McKay [54] CARTRIDGE COMB [72] Inventor: Nicholas D. McKay, Grand Blanc,

Mich. 48439 [22] Filed: June 29, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 50,582

[52] U.S.Cl ..132/112 [51] lnt.Cl. .....A45d'24/22 [58] Field of Search..132/112, 113,116, 147, 108, 132/109, 136, 7, 9; 16/11 [5 6] ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,384,671 7/1921 Murray ..132/113 1,698,631l/1929 l-lutchings ..132/109 2,507,386 5/1950 Spiegel ..132/9 2,819,723l/l958 Meyer ..132/116 1,084,743 l/19l4 Jones ..132/113 PrimaryExaminer--Louis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-Gregory E. McNeillAttorney-Miller, Morriss, Pappas & McLeod and George P. Pappas ABSTRACTA comb structure having a detachable toothed refill cartridge elementwith a coloring or hair dressing stick element provided therein forautomatically treating or coloring the hair by passing the combtherethrough. The toothed cartridge element is configured to permit thehair to come into contact with the coloring or hair dressing stickcontained therein. The stick slowly releases coloring or hair dressingto hair coming into contact therewith. The cartridge element isselectively replaceable when the coloring or hair dressing stick elementhas been expended. The use of the replaceable cartridge element avoidsthe necessity for directly handling the coloring sticks.

6 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 15, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTOR N E Y5 Patented Aug. 15, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet '2 FIG. 6

INVENTOR N/C/l0l45 l2 flick/1) BY 7W7 ATTORNEYS CARTRIDGE COMB SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a comb structure for applyinga hair coloring or a hair treatment composition to hair by merelyrunning the comb through the hair. The comb structure is provided with acartridge or insert element which is adapted to receive and retain acoloring or hair dressing stick or bar therein.

The cartridge element consists of a plurality of tooth elements whichare configured to receive and retain a flexible, soft, solid coloring orhair dressing stick or bar therebetween. The cartridge element isadapted to engage the back portion of the comb so that the toothelements of the cartridge element form all or a portion of the teeth ofthe comb. As the comb is passed through the hair, the stick or barslowly releases coloring or hair dressing to the hair which comes intocontact therewith. When the stick or bar is used up, the used cartridgeor insert element is removed from the comb structure and is replaced bya new cartridge element having a new unused coloring or hair dressingstick or bar therein.

PRIOR ART The use of specialized hair coloring combs is well known inthe prior art. Representative of such prior art patents are US. Pat.Nos. 2,834,357, 2,797,695, 2,477,245, 1,707,665, 945,647 and 260,367. Ingeneral, the structures of the prior art consist of specialized combstructures which are adapted to receive and dispense the hair coloringmaterial. The hair coloring elements of the prior art devices must bemanually attached to or inserted to the specialized comb struc- OBJECTSIt is therefore an object of this invention to provide a comb structurewhich applies hair treatment compositions, such as dyes, hair dressingsor medicaments, to the hair merely by passage of the comb therethrough.

Another object of this invention is to provide a comb structure forapplying hair treatment compositions to the hair 'whereby hair treatmentcomposition itself is not directly handled by the user during theinstallation,

use or replacement thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide a comb structure having areplaceable cartridge element containing a hair treatment compositionstick or bar.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a comb structurehaving a replaceable toothed cartridge element which forms a portion orall of the teeth of the comb.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a cartridgeelement having a toothed configuration and which is adapted to receiveand retain a coloring or hair treatment stick or bar therein.

Other objects and advantages found in the construction of my inventionwill be apparent from a consideration of the following specification inconnection with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of the comb illustrating thetoothed portion thereof and the portion which receives the replaceablecartridge or insert element.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the replaceablecartridge or insert elementshowing the coloring stick or bar retained therein.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the comb showing the replaceable cartridge orinsert element in its operative use position attached to the comb.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the cartridge or insert element taken on lineIV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the comb taken on line VV of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the toothed portion of the comb taken online VI-VI of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the cartridge or insert element taken online VIIVII of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the comb and cartridge or insert elementpositioned thereon taken on iine VIIIVIII of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9' is a perspective view of the hair treatment composition stick orbar.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION In general, a comb structure is provided having areplaceable cartridge or insert element which contains a soft stick orbar comprised of a hair coloring, hair grooming or hair treatmentcomposition. The replaceable cartridge or insert element is configuredto define a plurality of spaced apart teeth which are identical inexternal shape to the standard teeth of a comb. The teeth of the insertelement define a receptacle pocket which receives and retains theelongate hair coloring or hair grooming stick or bar. The stick or baris retained parallel to, below, and spaced apart from the back of thecomb so as to be exposed between the teeth of the cartridge or insertelement. Thus positioned, the semisolid stick or bar comes into contactwith the hair as the comb is run through the hair.

As shown and described in the copending application entitled HairTreatment Composition, the semi-solid stick or bar gradually releases ahair coloring, hair dressing or hair treatment preparation to the hairas it comes into contact therewith. Thus, hair coloring dye, hairdressing, or other hair treatment substance, depending on the nature ofthe semi-solid stick or bar, can be applied to the hair merely byrunning the comb therethrough.

The stick or bar is gradually used up through continued use. After thestick or bar has been used up, the replaceable cartridge or insertelement is removed from the comb and a new cartridge or insertcontaining a new stick or bar is substituted therefor.

It is thus seen that a unique comb is provided whereby one can color hishair merely by periodically combing his hair with such a comb. There isno need to handle messy dyes or to follow complicated or time consuminghair coloring procedures which have heretofore been necessary. I

By merely varying the composition of the stick or bar element to providea hair dressing or grooming substance rather than a hair coloring dye,one can have a comb which permits application of the hair dressingcomposition to the hair by merely passing the comb therethrough.

In each case, the supply of hair coloring, hair dressing or othertreatment composition is easily and automatically replenished byreplacing the expended cartridge or insert with an insert element havinga new coloring or hair grooming stick. In this manner, it is nevernecessary to handle the semi-solid stick or bar, thus providing for thefirst time a coloring comb structure which can be carried by the userand utilized in the same manner as a standard comb.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION More specifically, one embodiment of the inventionis shown in FIG. 1. A comb 11 is provided consisting of a back 12 havingstandard teeth 13 extending therefrom. A portion of the back 12 isprovided with a downwardly extending elongate support extension flange14 having gripping channels 15 along each side thereof. As shown in FIG.5, the elongate gripping channels 15 are provided with divergingsidewalls 16 which slope away from each other to the base of the channel15. Fingernail access slots 17 are provided on each side of the back 12adjacent the support flange 14.

The comb 11 is provided with a detachable or replaceable toothed refillcartridge or insert element 18 which defines a receptacle pocket 19 forreceiving a coloring or grooming stick or bar 20 therein. Asspecifically shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 7, the replaceable insert 18 is aresilient foldable element which is articulated at one edge thereof andincludes juxtaposed branches 2] closing upon each other to form aplurality of adjacent aligned and spaced apart teeth 22. The ends orpoints of the teeth 22 are at the articulated edge of the insert 18. Theplurality of the spaced apart teeth 22 define the receptacle pocket 19which receives a hair coloring or grooming stick or bar 20.

The unarticulated ends of the branches 21 merge into elongate oppositelypositioned spaced-apart gripping bars 23 and 24. Each of the bars 23 and24 is provided with an inwardly extending gripping extension 25'therealong. The gripping extensions 25 have sloped sidewalls 26 whichare adapted for mating snap engagement with the sidewalls 16 of thegripping channels 15. As shown in FIG. 8, the inwardly extendinggripping extensions 25 are adapted to make snap engagement into thegripping channels 15 so as to lockably retain the replaceable insert inits operative use position on the back 12 of the comb 11. With theinsert element 18 thus positioned, the teeth 22 of the insert element 18are aligned and coextensive with the standard teeth 13 which extend fromthe back 12.

The comb 11 and cartridge element 18 are made from polyethylenematerial. However, other plastics or rubber material having the samegeneral characteristics can be utilized. The comb and cartridge elementscan be extruded or molded by methods which are well known in theindustry.

When the replaceable cartridge insert is in its operative use positionon the comb, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the hair coloring or groomingstick 20 is positioned spaced-apart from, below and parallel to the back12 and extends through the spaces between the teeth 22 of the insert 18.

As the comb is run through the hair, the teeth 22 direct the hairagainst the semi-solid coloring or grooming stick 20. Through thiscontact, particles of the stick 20 adhere to the hair. This releasescoloring or hair dressing to the hair depending on the particularcomposition of the stick 20. The applicator stick 20 is flexible andsoft although it is in a solid state. Depending on the intended use ordesired result, the composition of the applicator stick or bar 20selectively contains a hair coloring or dye, a hair set substance, ahair dressing or grooming substance or a medication, such as a dandruffcontrol substance. Further, other medicated substances can beincorporated therein where specific treatment of the hair and/or skin isnecessary. While the specific embodiment of the invention is a combstructure intended for use with human hair, it is within the scope ofthe invention to adapt the comb for use with the hair or pelts ofanimals either in the veterinary field or for use by owners of pets oranimals.

Although the comb 11 shown in the drawings is provided with a pluralityof standard teeth 13 in addition to the teeth 22 of the replaceablecartridge or insert 18, it is within the scope of the invention toprovide a comb wherein the replaceable cartridge element 18 extends theentire length of the back of the comb. Further, the comb can be providedwith elongate handle or rat tail extending from the back as is wellknown in the art.

It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a simple handlegripping element to which the cartridge element is attachable. The usergrasps the handle element and combs his hair in the usual manner. Whenthe stick 20 is expended, the cartridge element is replaced by a newcartridge. Hence, in this embodiment of the invention, the cartridgeelement would constitute the entire comb.

While in the present embodiment of the invention the cartridge or insertelement 18 is maintained in its operative use position on the comb 11 bymeans of the snap engagement of the gripping extensions 25 into thegripping channels 15, it is within the scope of the invention toselectively mount the cartridge or insert element onto the comb by useof other means. The insert element can be adapted to slide into and outof its operative use on the comb by use of suitable mating channelmeans. Another suitable method of connecting the insert element to theback of the comb is by use of a plurality of cooperative snap fastenersselectively provided on the insert element and comb.

OPERATION In use, the applicator stick or bar 20 is placed within thecartridge or insert element 18. The insert element 18 is then placedinto its operative use position on the comb 1 1. In order to mount thecartridge into its opera-- tive use position, the insert element 18 ispositioned so that the support flange 14 is intermediate the grippingbars 23 and 24. By exerting inward pressure against the gripping bars 23and 24, the gripping extensions 25 make a snap engagement with thegripping channels 15, thus securely retaining the insert elementoperative use position on the comb l l.

The comb l 1 is then selectively run through the hair. The normalcombing action brings the hair into contact with the applicator stick orbar 20. This direct contact causes minute amounts of the stick or bar tobe transferred to the hair. Thus, depending on the composition of theapplicator stick, the hair coloring, dye, hair dressing, or medicationis gradually transmitted to the hair as required. At no time does theuser have to handle the active hair treatment preparation involved orhave to follow any complicated treatment procedures. All that isrequired is that the comb is run through the hair in the usual manner.

When the applicator stick or bar is expended, the cartridge or insertelement 18 is detached from the comb l 1. This is accomplished byinserting a fingernail into the access slots 17 on each side of the back12. An outward pressure against each of the gripping bars 23 and 24causes a snap disengagement of the cartridge or insert element 18 fromthe comb 11. A new cartridge or insert element 20 containing a newunused stick or bar 20 is then loaded or attached to the comb ashereinbefore described.

It is thus seen that a unique comb structure 11 is provided having areplaceable refill cartridge element 18 which permits the coloring,dyeing or treatment of hair without the necessity of handling orotherwise touching the hair treating composition. The comb structure ofthe instant invention eliminates the need for ancillary equipmentnormally needed for the transfer and handling of the dyes or ,other hairtreatment substances. When the hair treatment stick or bar 20 is usedup, the old cartridge or insert element 18 is removed and a newcartridge is attached to the comb. Further, as hereinbefore described,it is utilized in the same manner as a regular comb while simultaneouslycoloring or otherwise treating the hair.

The provision of the cartridge element 18 provides a container orreceptacle for the hair treatment composition stick or bar. The refillcartridge element 18 thus becomes the storage container for the activehair treatment ingredient. The cartridge element can be in its handledand sold as a replacement cartridge for use with special comb structuresand handle gripping elements as hereinbefore described.

It is thus apparent that this unique comb structure makes it possiblefor men to color or tint their hair who have avoided doing so because ofthe messy materials and complicated application procedures they have hadto use and follow in the past.

Having thus described my invention including several modificationsthereof, others skilled in the art will perceive other modifications,changes and improvements, and such modifications, changes andimprovements are intended to be included herein, limited only to thescope of the hereinafter appended claims.

I claim:

1. A comb structure comprising:

A resilient foldable element articulated at one edge and includingjuxtaposed branches closing upon each other to form a plurality ofadjacent aligned and spaced apart teeth and having the points thereofatsaid articulated edge and said plurality of teeth defining a receptaclepocket intermediate the ends thereof. 2. The comb structure as set outin claim 1 and including a gripping element grasping the unarticulatedends of said foldable element.

3. A comb structure comprising:

a. a handle element, said handle element having cartridge insert elementretaining means thereon; and

b. a resilient toothed cartridge insert element releasable attached tosaid handle element, said toothed cartridge element defining areceptacle therein.

4. A comb structure comprising:

a7 a handle element, said handle element having cartridge insert elementretaining means thereon;

b. a resilient toothed cartridge insert element releasably attached tosaid handle element, said toothed cartridge element defining areceptacle therein; and

c. a hair treatment composition stick member provided in saidreceptacle.

5. A comb structure comprising:

a. a comb having a back portion, said back portion defining a cartridgeinsert element retaining portion; and

b. a resilient toothed cartridge insert element releasably attached tosaid retaining portion of said comb, said toothed cartridge elementdefining a receptacle therein.

6. A comb structure comprising:.

a.-a comb having a back portion, releasably attached said back portiondefining a cartridge insert element retaining portion; 7

b. a resilient toothed cartridge insert element releasably attached tosaid retaining portion of said comb, said toothed cartridge elementdefining a receptacle therein; and

c. a hair treatment composition stick member provided in saidreceptacle.

1. A comb structure comprising: A resilient foldable element articulatedat one edge and including juxtaposed branches closing upon each other toform a plurality of adjacent aligned and spaced apart teeth and havingthe points thereof at said articulated edge and said plurality of teethdefining a receptacle pocket intermediate the ends thereof.
 2. The combstructure as set out in claim 1 and including a gripping elementgrasping the unarticulated ends of said foldable element.
 3. A combstructure comprising: a. a handle element, said handle element havingcartridge insert element retaining means thereon; and b. a resilienttoothed cartridge insert element releasable attached to said handleelement, said toothed cartridge element defining a receptacle therein.4. A comb structure comprising: a. a handle element, said handle elementhaving cartridge insert element retaining means thereon; b. a resilienttoothed cartridge insert element releasably attached to said handleelement, said toothed cartridge element defining a receptacle therein;and c. a hair treatment composition stick member provided in saidreceptacle.
 5. A comb structure comprising: a. a comb having a backportion, said back portion defining a cartridge insert element retainingportion; and b. a resilient toothed cartridge insert element releasablyattached to said retaining portion of said comb, said toothed cartridgeelement defining a receptacle therein.
 6. A comb structure comprising:a. a comb having a back portion, releasably attached said back portiondefining a cartridge insert element retaining portion; b. a resilienttoothed cartridge insert element releasably attached to said retainingportion of said comb, said toothed cartridge element defining areceptacle therein; and c. a hair treatment composition stick memberprovided in said receptacle.